According to statute, prosecutors had six months to present the case against Charles to a grand jury. The charges were dropped when they failed to do so.

"They didn't have enough evidence with which to charge him before a grand jury," said Charles' lawyer, Manuel Ortega. "I believe justice was done."

However, Chief District Attorney Daniel L. Master Jr. said the charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors can bring a case against Charles at a later date.

He declined further comment.

Charles, meanwhile, isn't going anywhere. He's in jail awaiting sentencing next month on a guilty plea in an unrelated weapon-possession case, online state court records show. Charles was arrested in that matter on June 14, 2011.